I’m really digging on the Oliver + S Class Picnic shorts right now. That pair I made for KCW was not rejected (hooray!!), and they are so cute on her, if I do say so myself. I love the confetti facings but I’m also a little sad they aren’t more plain, because adding a contrast print really cut down on what they’ll go with. Neutral would have been much more practical. But that was easy enough to solve with another pair.
I used some red chambray I found in the remnant bin at Bolt last fall. It’s not really a go-with-everything color, but the shorts are all one color, which does make them a little more wearable. It’s kind of a reddish-pinkish shade – strawberry, if you will.
Speaking of which, once I had the red chambray chosen, it almost killed me not to use the Briar Rose strawberries as the contrast fabric. Of course it would have completely defeated the purpose of making shorts that would go with everything (or anything), but still, I had to exercise MAJOR self-restraint to keep them neutral. The strawberries would’ve been really fun. Luckily – and this is one mark of a great pattern for me – the waistband has a facing piece, so you can sneak in a surprise contrast fabric on the inside.
So now they’re at least slightly fun.
But really, I’m glad I made them all one color, because they go with both of the shirts I made last week.
Again, I interfaced the main front waistband piece in addition to the facing piece for added structure. The chambray is really lightweight so that helps the waistband stand up.
I love the design of these shorts, from the retro wrap-around look to the faux fly. And while they’re a bit of work, they aren’t difficult at all, and the pattern is as clear and detailed as you’ve come to expect from Oliver + S. It’s funny, I bought this pattern for the blouse and really had no interest in the shorts, but now it’s the shorts I’m crazy about. That’s the power of the Oliver + S flickr pool…
P.S. Llama Fabrics provided me with the Briar Rose strawberries, and they’re still in stock, along with many of the other prints, if you’re looking!
Adorably neutral shorts! I love the shape of this pattern, it’s so feminine-sporty. Need to give it a whirl now that Em wears shorts (and we’re on the same wavelength again, I made her some neutral shorts with a less-subtle strawberry today!).
Can you please tell me more about her elephant/balloon shirt? 😉
oooo i can’t wait to see yours! that shirt was a gift – it’s from mini-boden, of course 🙂
I was wondering about the T-short too. It would be a fun challenge to try and hand paint a copy…
Great shorts,. I’ve finally bought this pattern. Bring on summer….
Lovely shorts! I love the look of that pattern. They look so cool and comfy!
I love the color of the shorts. What fun outfits she gets to wear! I would like those for me.
Love the shorts! They look just as nice all in one color as they do with a contrast facing. I really should pull that pattern back out…they fit my youngest so well and she’s in need of some more shorts.;)
oooh i’m loving that color!
love. so. much. and great job in sneaking in a little pop of color along the waistband – it will make you smile everytime you catch a glimpse:) I’ve made this pattern a few times, both times in neutral colors as well, and find that they get worn a ton!
These are so cute!
If they go with 3 shirts, that’s makes them a neutral, in my opinion. They turned out lovely, as always.
Love those shorts, especially the hidden pop of color. It is always fun when you can do something like that.
Love the shorts! Such a pretty color. And I really love the peek of the Heather Ross fabric – so cute!
I love these! They’re so pretty and I love that you restrained using another print. They go with everything!!! Now I want to buy the pattern! Wish there was a digital version.
there is, there is! http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS025CPD.html
Love! And that hidden strawberry print is so so adorable! I need to try more Oliver + S patterns, they’re always so stylish.
Thanks Gail, you have inspired me to finally sew these up. I made two pair, one with ruffles. Love love love this pattern.
Love this outfit so much!